​IHHELPP turned over four restroom facilities, with a total of 17 toilets with hand wash areas, to four communities in Bohol, Philippines.
 
The recipients are Calape National High School, Inabanga National High School, Ubojan Elementary School in Tubigon, and Barangay Poblacion Norte in Clarin.

IHHELPP partnered with the Sorenson Legacy Foundation and coordinated efforts with IHHELPP Bohol volunteer Louell Lorzano, who spearheaded the projects.

​IHHELPP President, Jenneth Doria, Vice President of Operations, Paul S. Staples, Vice President for Technical Development Rene Doria, and IHHELPP Treasurer Lolita Staples visited the three schools and participated in the official turn-over ceremony of the Clarin bathroom. 

“I was humbled and emotional as I witnessed and participated in the official turning over of 17 public toilets in Bohol,” said Paul Staples. “These events were true miracles and a great blessing in the lives of so many school kids and communities.”

​IHHELPP board members also taught 

students proper hand washing and personal hygiene as part of the program. 

“It was a very emotional time for us as we personally saw the children, teachers and principals thanking us for providing the restrooms,” said Paul Staples. 

​Creating the Legacy

IHHELPP plans to bring more restroom projects in the Philippines with the help of student volunteers from Brigham Young University - Hawaii.

Two student volunteers joined IHHELPP: Charlene Lee and Roche Donato who were assigned to assist in the planning of more restroom projects.

“Many of the volunteers are drawn towards IHHELPP because of the wonderful service opportunity to help in the Philippines,” said Paul Staples. “IHHELPP allows individuals to think outside of their own comfort zone and think about others that are less fortunate in many cases.”

“ This was a wonderful faith promoting trip which not only enhanced the lives of hundreds and maybe even thousands of kids. It 

has been a very impactful experience for all of the IHHELPP board members who traveled on this trip,”says Paul Staples.

This Bohol project was a collaborative effort among various stakeholders: the school officials, teachers, students, local government and LDS leaders, community members, IHHELPP, and Sorenson Legacy Foundation. It considered the needs of the schools and sea-side community from the 

​lens of those who deal with the problem of inadequate and nonfunctional toilets.

hese bathrooms promote health and personal hygiene and foster a clean environment and self-respect. Principals and teachers remarked that students like looking at the mirrors. Absenteeism decreased because students promptly return to the classrooms now instead of going all the way back to their home to use bathrooms and do not come back.